Freedom Through
Movement Group Therapy
MIND
The mental health community recognises Freedom Through Movement as an effective method for therapeutic healing. Traditionally, treating trauma relies heavily on psychological therapies alone. However, in recent times, more emphasis is being given to body-based somatic therapies, including Freedom Through Movement. Freedom Through Movement is based on an understanding that trauma impacts the entire mind-body system, not simply our mental state.
FOCUS
We use movement ideologies to support participants to notice what they feel in their body, and support choice making about how to move their body based on what they feel. It helps clients to learn to calm their minds and regulate their physical responses, and thus their emotions. Clients are able to recognize and tolerate physical sensations and thereby regaining a feeling of safety inside their bodies. We provide a safe, supportive and compassionate group environment that can cater for all abilities.
BODY
The mind and body do not work in isolation of each other, and therefore the combination of breath work and a balanced approach of movement to stillness is considered to be an effective body-based therapy. It is vital to note that Freedom Through Movement will be most effective in healing trauma when it is integrated into a larger set of therapeutic supports that have been specifically tailored to the individual.
The main goal we have is to provide a safe, supportive space in which participants can learn emotional regulation skills through breathing and increased body awareness. We also offer an opportunity to release residual or trapped trauma from the body, through experiential somatic body work.
“Trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body. “
The main goal we have is to provide a safe space in which participants can learn emotional regulation skills through breathing and increased body awareness. We also offer an opportunity to release residual or trapped trauma from the body, through experimental somatic body work.
This group will run over 30 weeks with one 50-minute session per week. The sessions will be segmented into 3 x 10-week sessions per arrangement. After every 10 weeks clients will be given the opportunity to evaluate their experience. New Clients will have the opportunity to join at the start of a 10-week period.
‘My strongest belief system is that inside every single one of exists an innate wisdom that knows healing, health and overall happiness. As a yoga teacher and psychology student passionate about movement and mindful practices, my role is to facilitate and guide individuals back to their own innate wisdom”.
Aana has been studying, practicing and teaching yoga for over 8 years and is currently completing a PGDip in Psychology. Aana believes the complementary fields of yoga and psychology can be woven together to assist in therapy and human potential work that incorporates a mind body approach.
Mother to 3 beautiful children, Honor, Hugo and Vida – when she is not on her yoga mat one of her favourite pastimes is soaking up the sun at the beach, attempting to surf and enjoying time with her family.